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The screen came to life, and President David issued a welcome, especially to Jamie Jarvie who was near Chicago in the USA, and in a time warp - it was 9.30pm on Monday. Medical updates followed, and we heard that Burmo had been discharged from hospital - great news, and that was receiving ongoing treatment. Todays meeting had clashed with a medical appointment. Paul Murray remains in hospital, with Phil Burgess getting updates from Carolyn. Paul has been tested for Covid-19, but has remained isolated at Gelston Park, so confident that he is "clean" David reported on the board meeting held last night, and he has provided outcomes from that meeting in his President's report. Our Changeover function this year will be on June 30, not a formal dinner, but a midday Zoom meeting. A formal function, probably including bunches of flowers, will be held later when quarantine and social distancing requirements have been relaxed. There was a call for directors reports ready for printing, and inclusion in the Changeover booklet to be written - same every year. When questioned over dress requirements for the changeover, it was confirmed that black tie would be selectively enforced. Sofi was logged in to our meeting from Wagga Wagga High School, in her uniform, and in the library. After greetings and reminisces about Brazil from the two girls, we learned about reintegration into physically attending school. Next week, Sofi will move to a new host family - More details as they come to hand. Invitations to meals, or for outings are now permitted, so call Sofi : 0460 676 416 Geoff Hamilton, PP from a few years ago was attending our meeting, from Tasmania. Geoff provided a short summary of his health status, and the outstanding feature was his optimism - dealing with issues but nothing that will kill him. He has not yet joined Rotary (or a pipe band) in Tasmania, but is in demand as a piper for Anzac day locally. Some of our members have heard Geoff calling Macca on ABC radio on Sunday Mornings. This started out with healthcare as an issue, but Australian Manufacturing and Proway in Wagga Wagga were recognised and discussed on national radio. Peter Crozier advised that a series of donations to community organisations had been approved by the board at last nights meeting, and as these were above the threshold requiring ratification at a club meeting, sought this approval. The donations were: St Vincent de Paul Society. $3000 Anglicare $3000 Salvation Army - pending application. $3000 Ashmont Schools Breakfast Program. $1500 The decisions of the board were formally ratified by the members. President David called for Col Duff to report on progress of furniture donations to the Fire affected Tumbarumba community, and the efforts of Ron Leith in transporting these donations. Our club will provide a fuel card to the value of $500, to allay some of the costs. John Flynn stepped in as Sergeant. There was much name dropping, with John Smith, Michael Georgiou and Pat Ingram getting honorable mentions. The distinction between the Dali Lama, and Llama, the South American mammal was exploited. A story involving faith healers, libido problems and unrealistic expectations finished off the session. Phil McIntosh reported on the status of the Gears and Beers event. Compliance with Covid 19 requirements would be essential to our activities, ruling out a festival with thousands of people in the park, but a cycle event, designed to observe social distancing is still a possibility. Three rides are proposed - Dirty 130, 50km, and a community ride would probably suffice. We were warned that the emphasis would be on community involvement, maintaining a profile in the cycling world, and the prospects of a cash windfall for our club would not be great. John Gray was called on to introduce Peter Mace. A rambling introduction, acknowledging Neil Pinto, apologising to David Benn, and recognising that "Stone the Crows" was the reason that Peter should have come to Wagga Wagga. The career as a bush poet blossomed after retirement from Vales Point power station, with appearances at Tamworth (The Country Music Festival???), including winning in the category, and many finals appearances. Peter recited a few poems, with great anecdotes about each. "Australian Made", "Legend of Barnaby Joyce", "The addict" was a medical quandary, and for Arthur Summons, a poem from the crowd. Then there was a poem for an Afghanistan veteran, very moving, very topical and in David Pyke words "very poignant". David Benn had the final word, with his short poem, before we had a trio performance of the Anthem - Sutton, Ross and Pinto. We will try something else next week. |
